GoLite Chrome Dome Trekking Umbrella

This umbrella is a lifesaver for desert hiking. It provides both shade and sun protection and I can't hike without it now that I've experienced it.

The first time I hiked in the southern California desert I was in complete misery. The sun was relentless but I wore long pants, long sleeves, and a hat with a skirt for sun protection. I was hot and uncomfortable and had no escape from the sun.

When I ventured into the desert the next year, I bought a Chrome Dome to accompany me. It was a game changer. I still was fully covered for sun protection, but could remove my hat while using the umbrella and had a constant respite from the burning sun with the shade my umbrella created. The umbrella can also be used in light rain instead of pulling out my rain jacket. I don't think I can ever hike again in the desert or even exposed mountain ridges without the Chrome Dome.

The downsides is that it is an additional piece of gear that I have to carry and I still have not found an ideal way to clip it onto my pack so I end up carrying it and then can't use my trekking poles at the same time. Other hikers have found working solutions, so maybe it has to do with my particular pack. I'm pretty minimalistic with my hiking gear but this umbrella is worth the trouble to me.

I'm on my second umbrella now, the first was retired after four months of daily use. A nice feature Golite has built into the umbrella is that if wind whips it around and tries to turn it inside out, the material will slide off the frame so only the material will whip around and the frame remains intact. Then you can slide the material back on the frame. I think this extends the longevity of the umbrella.

I made sure to snag one when the Boulder-based outfitter was going out of business. I miss 'em!

I've used my Chrome Dome in light rain, heavy rain, and bright sun. It seems like a perfectly designed product. Nothing innovative here, just sensible design.

The bright side reflects the sun better than any other color, and the black lining provides maximum shade. The deeper shape helps prevent the dreaded spoke inversions that plague lesser umbrellas.

I enjoy "flying" mine by tipping the upwind edge so the canopy provides lift. Too much lift? That's what the strap is for.

The current Six Moon Designs Silver Shadow is just like the GoLite Chrome Dome umbrella.

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Walking around in the rain and sun.